How to help in the fight against COVID-19

Many individuals, groups and businesses from the community have generously offered to help assist in our preparedness efforts to fight COVID-19. Below are a few ways you can help make a difference.

Protect yourself and others

The most important thing you can do to help health care workers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and across the city and state is to help us slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in our region. This is critical to keeping manageable the number of people who become ill with COVID-19 and require hospital care.

We encourage you to stay informed and follow the directions of public health officials and the Metro Safer at Home order. Visit coronavirus.gov for more information about how to protect yourself and your family.

Donate blood

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Please help us do our job by making an appointment to give at https://www.redcrossblood.org/.

Donate money

Our COVID-19 Fund provides the flexibility to meet greatest needs in patient care and research to fight the pandemic. Donate now.

Donate personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand-sewn face masks

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has an adequate supply of PPE currently on hand to protect its employees and patients from COVID-19. However, the global supply for this equipment continues to be uncertain and we are actively taking steps to secure more supplies.

Donate food

If you would like to donate food for our staff, we encourage you to use a local business so you can help our Nashville neighbors at the same time. Food must be commercially prepared and individually packaged for individual distribution. We cannot accept buffet-style meals.

Meal donations are scheduled at 12:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to accommodate both day and night shifts. To schedule a donation, email volunteer.services@vumc.org.

Show your support with 'Gratitunes'

Gratitunes are songs that say “thank you” to doctors, nurses and medical staff during COVID-19. It’s easy! When you choose a ‘Gratitune’ it is added to a playlist that is shared with Vanderbilt University Medical Center staff and streamed to clinics to help reduce anxiety and lift spirits. Share your Gratitune or other note of encouragement via social media with your friends and family! Let’s show our gratitude with Gratitunes!

Through the exceptional capabilities and caring spirit of its people, Vanderbilt will lead in improving the healthcare of individuals and communities regionally, nationally and internationally. We will combine our transformative learning programs and compelling discoveries to provide distinctive personalized care.